Call to Action! This is your chance to help Freedom and Choice Ring
It’s amazing, in a world gone nuts with regulation, one state is considering freedom. Check it out, in the news. Missouri has an adult helmet repeal in front of their Governor. Did you know about half of our states have adult freedom and in most cases free states have a better accident record than states with helmet laws.
Co to launch a more affordable bike in the 250cc segment, open 350 small outlets in hinterland
Royal Enfield, the cult-bike brand from Eicher Motors, is considering a new 250 cc variant to arrest a slide in volumes and market share, and as part of a broader push to make it more accessible to buyers.
The Royal Enfield brand had gone off the radar of aspiring youth looking for an upgrade, as enthusiasm dampened somewhat due to an increase in prices of about 8-10% over the last couple of years on account of a transition to BS IV emission norms, a spike in insurance cost and the introduction of a mandatory anti-lock braking system.
A slowing economy and about a dozen product launches in the 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh price band also added to the company’s woes.
From strong double-digit growth over the last five to six years, Royal Enfield has slipped into a double-digit decline in the last four months.
Under new CEO Vinod Dasari, however, the bike maker has rolled out a plan to set up 350 small outlets in the hinterland, apart from considering a new 250 cc bike variant. The 250 cc study is being carried out by the Indian R&D centre, even as the UK Technical Centre moots new, bigger displacement bikes for the global markets.
RE is also planning to debut a no-frills bike for all its brands, giving a prospective buyer the choice of personalisation and accessorisation.
RE will be able to address the value and premium segment, giving power to prospective buyers, according to the idea pushed by Dasari.
If a prospective buyer does not require all the bells and whistles, he/she can buy a no-frills version, and if the customer wants to spruce up the motorcycle, he/she has the option of adding hosts of accessories to make the vehicle stand out.
According to people in the know, the brand’s prominence and consumer interest remains high. Yet, it is not translating into sales, and factors such as price and features have become critical, which the company needs to address immediately.
When contacted, a company spokesperson declined to comment on future product plans, but said that accessibility had always been important for Royal Enfield in product development and experience.
“We will continue to focus our efforts on bringing classic, evocative and fun-to-ride motorcycles for our customers. We have persistently worked on keeping our motorcycles accessible, from the perspective of availability, ride experience, as well as ownership experience,” the spokesperson said. On the role of customisation, the spokesperson added, “We have a range of genuine motorcycle accessories that allow buyers to customise and personalise their motorcycles. We believe it is a core aspect of self-expression for our riders. We will continue to work towards making this experience more seamless for the customer.”
The company has enjoyed one the highest operating profits among automakers, thanks to its ability to pass on higher costs to customers with ease. However, the moderation in volumes over the past one year suggests that customers’ ability to buy at any price point is gradually waning and rising product prices is emerging as a deterrent to convert enquires into sales. The company’s volumes grew a measly 0.6% in the last fiscal year, its lowest volume growth since 2010.
With a double digit decline in sales for four consecutive months, Royal Enfield is staring at the first year of de-growth in almost a decade and the company is unlikely to meet its production guidance of 9.5 lakh units.
The company admitted that the current dip in volumes is largely related to an economic slowdown rather than brand fatigue. Over last five years, it has been a case of both volume and realisation, where the brand enjoyed a strong pricing power. Experts, however, differ to say that the impact of price increases on volumes in the last nine months indicates brand fatigue is setting in.
To be sure, Royal Enfield has 28.5 million searches on Google, up 9% YoY, which is around 2.37 million searches per month compared with the next three competitors, who rack up searches in the range of 0.6-1.1 million.
The Street is currently pricing in volume growth of 807,000-856,000 for the current fiscal year, which implies growth of -2% to plus 3%. The company has given a production guidance of 950,000 units after the March quarter earnings. This indicates that the Street is not expecting any improvement in volume growth in the near-term.
A new initiative, of Royal Enfield Studio Format Stores, is another step towards ensuring wider accessibility across smaller towns in India.
Royal Enfield has planned to add 350 new Studio Format Stores in 2019-20. This will take the retail touch points to 1,100 towns and cities with 1,350 stores. These stores will have a complete ecosystem of sales, service, spares, apparel, accessories and also rides and events
The small stores will be 225 square feet for sales and 275 square feet for the workshop, compared with 1500 square feet for full-size stores.
The company is expecting sales of 12-20 units per month from the small format stores.
Besides, if the small format stores formula clicks, it plans to open more than 1000 outlets in future.
New Rides Listed! Tons of Cool Places to Go!
THIS SATURDAY!!!
GROUP RIDE FROM LIFESTYLE CYCLES.
SKIP THE LINE!
PRE-REGISTER, COFFEE & DONUTS AT 8:00AM.
KICK STANDS UP AT 10:00 AM!
At Lifestyle Cycles, we LOVE hitting the open road. Like no kidding, any chance we can, we jump on our bikes and take a run somewhere. Doesn’t matter where … anywhere. Sometimes just to be on the road, feel the wind, and hear the roar of the exhaust pipes is all it takes. And while it’s cool to take a solo run now and again, we also love taking trips with others. We figure you’re that way too, so that’s why you need to join the Lifestyle Cycles Riding Group! All you need to do is click this link to our Meetup page and click “Join This Group,” and you’re an official member! Seriously, that’s all it takes, and you’re in! We do a TON of rides from quick lunch runs to full day trips. So check it out, join our group, and be a part of our family.
You read right, our Riding Group has 3,315 members!
If you’re looking for family and a place to belong, welcome home! We’re an easy going, laid back group, looking for others who just enjoy safe group riding! Our Riding Group has rides all over California … and even journeys to other states from time to time! We LOVE seeing amazing sites, riding fun roads, going to all kinds of events, having half and full day rides, overnight stays, 2-3 day journeys, and of course, eating at some of the most amazing, off-the-beaten-path places most people don’t even know exist! But the absolute best part is meeting and hanging out with some amazing people, and making some new friends. Join us and be part of an awesome riding group family!
Everyone is welcome (as a side note, we also have members in multiple states), and ALL motorcycles, trikes/can-am’s are welcome. We’re all brothers and sisters that really just enjoy each other’s company and riding. We try to have rides a couple times a month, and even some quick breakfast and lunch rides. We love and encourage our members to suggest places they want to go to or have been and want to share.
So at this point you’re probably asking, “So how do I join?” Super easy. Just click here to go to our Meetup page and click “join.” Easy, right? Welcome to the family!
Seriously. Lifestyle Cycles is so committed to getting you on one of our awesome pre-owned motorcycles (check them out here: https://tinyurl.com/yysd4e7e) that we’ll take just about anything in on trade toward a bike! We’ve taken classic cars, boats, ATVs, slot machines, boats, jewelry, watches, pinball machines, and of course, motorcycles. So take a look around your place and see what you have that might be of value. It just might be the very thing to get you closer to the pre-owned Harley of your dreams! We’re not kidding, bring in whatever you’ve got and let’s take and look and see what we can do! Call us at (714) 490-0155. We’re at 1510 N. State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806
COME SEE WHY LIFESTYLE CYCLES IS THE NUMBER ONE MOTORCYCLE DESTINATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!
We carry Street Glides, Road Glides, Tri-Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more! We have a bike to fit just about every budget! You know you’ve been wanting to get a bike, and now is the perfect time! So what are you waiting for? Stop on in today and let’s turn your dream into a reality!
Sales/Parts/Apparel Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 6PM
Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
Sunday: 10.AM – 4PM
Service Dept Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8AM – 5PM
We Will Be Closed Thursday, July 4th.
In a world gone insane with regulation you see that freedom still matters. In Missouri they are about to repeal the adult helmet law. The accident rate for motorcycles hasn’t increased in a decade, yet the number of riders on the road has, but who cares. We ride for freedom and excitement, not to improve safety statistics.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEWS IN THE CANTINA – Subscribe to Cantina today
With the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb quickly approaching, Zero Motorcycles has released new details surrounding the preparation of its new SR/F for the race.
Zero’s internal engineering team, in collaboration with several brand partners including Gates Carbon Drive, Showa, Pirelli Tires, SME Group, Dymag and Hotbodies Racing, have transformed the powerful streetfighter into a full-blown racer for the June 30th event. Come race day, AMA-professional racer Cory West will pit the bike against some of the biggest names in the industry, testing adaptations including an upgraded suspension, handlebar-mounted brake levers, custom rearsets and more.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (June 20, 2019) – Zero Motorcycles, the brand that defined the category of electric motorcycles, introduced their most innovative and powerful motorcycle yet with the launch of SR/F earlier this year. Now, Zero’s internal engineering team, in collaboration with multiple partners, has transformed its new streetfighter into a full-blown racer, which AMA-professional racer Cory West will put to the test at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30.
“The racing effort for Pikes Pike at Zero is entirely run with internal engineering staff, who mostly commit their lunches, nights, and weekends to the cause,” said Brian Wismann, VP of Product Development at Zero Motorcycles. “No dedicated team members or factory-level budgets here. The bike was built with the support of key suppliers to the Zero production line, plus some clever designs from an engineering team let loose to experiment.”
With 110 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, Zero’s production SR/F already boasts impressive performance stats that challenge competitors representing the biggest names in the industry. Through the company’s “Blue Sky” program, which encourages Zero engineers to explore their creativity and reach for new heights, the SR/F has become an even more formidable contender, thanks in large part to the help of existing brand partners including Gates Carbon Drive, Showa, Pirelli Tires, SME Group, Dymag and Hotbodies Racing.
In lieu of the chain kit typically used for race bikes, Zero engineers opted to stick with the same Gates Carbon Drive belt found on the production model. Their hope is that the smooth delivery of torque from the concentric pivot and constant tension belt will give the SR/F an advantage when pitted against gas bikes, which need to shift and respond to power pulses and surges from internal combustion engines.
In order to upgrade the suspension on the SR/F, Zero tapped Showa for their rare Balance Free Front Fork (BFF) and Balance Free Rear Cushion lite (BFRC-lite) rear shock. The Showa components also serve the dual purpose of adding a contrasting visual accent against the matte black of the bike. Adding utlity and further visual character to the racer, Dymag forged aluminum wheels provide crucial weight savings, plus aesthetic appeal befitting the Pirelli Superbike Slicks fitted to them.
Additional adaptations to the SR/F from Zero’s engineering team include two handlebar-mounted brake levers, which allow for better rear brake modulation while banking deeply into right hand turns – only possible through the clutch-less design of Zero’s direct drive electric motor. Custom rearsets were also designed to accommodate the bike’s unique swingarm pivot, which is concentric with the motor output shaft.
Bringing together the overall concept is designer Tom Zipprian’s custom bodywork, which was 3D printed in-house specifically for Pikes Peak and reinforced with carbon fiber. Large number plates are required per race regulations, and this serves to stylishly accommodate those as well as provide useful data on testing the potential aerodynamic benefits of similar elements that generate downforce.
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Designed and crafted by hand in California, Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley technology with traditional motorcycle soul to elevate the motorcycling experience for intelligent, innovative riders around the world.
Weekend Round-Up for June 17, 2019
Major Big Week Coming
It’s nuts. We finally finished the fiberglass top of the Salt Torpedo, sorta. I still needed to build the parachute box and fix some pieces in the bottom. There’s always something else.
CLICK HERE to read the Roundup.
Discovered: Custom Drop Tank Trailer
The Ultimate Motorcycle Hauler
This custom motorcycle trailer was constructed using an A-7 Corsair II drop tank. It is finished in flat grey with Navy livery, and features include functional lights, torsional stub axles, and 16” wheels.
CLICK HERE to read the Custom Trailer Report.
NCOM Biker Newsbytes for June 2019
Louisiana fights Back, Missouri finds Freedom, Texas Bans, Washington and More
Read the NCOM Newsbytes by Clicking Here.
5-Ball Racing Garage Leathers
Jak Shirt 5/8th Sleeve and Pit Crew Vest
The Jak Shirt is made from strong milled Buffalo leather, a top-grain quality leather. 5/8th Jak Shirt is ideal riding gear for cool and warm weather. The 5/8th sleeve hits just below the elbow.
Jak Shirt line is delivered with innovative features like a sunglasses pocket as well as conceal and carry pockets.
The lightweight Pit Crew Vest from 5-Ball Leathers is made from ballistic nylon. Ballistic nylon was originally designed in WWII to repel flying shrapnel.
CLICK HERE to get your 5-Ball Racing Gear
RIDE FREE FOREVER !!!
It Couldn’t Be Better
I’ll keep fighting for freedom and questioning authority until the end. I guess it’s my nature as just another grubby biker who loves to ride free.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
QUICK – JOIN THE Cantina and read the industry news – Click Here
“I Dig Carnations!”
The motorcycle industry couldn’t be sadder. Another Champion is gone. Gene Romero, husband, father, best friend, legend and Champion.
Born, Gene Ronald Romero, May 22, 1947 in Martinez California, Gene called San Louis Obispo home. He cut lawns and cleaned pools to get his first motorcycle. His father, Gene senior, was a tough and proud man who imparted the traits of hard work and honest living to Gene and his two younger brothers, Carlos and Terry. Their mother, Emma was a saint. She had the intolerable job of raising these three, rough and tumble boys, while keeping up with the demands from the patriarch of this respectable Romero family. Her German lineage added a meticulous, sensible and loving aspect to their upbringing. But just don’t get between any of the Romero brothers (or senior) because chances are you may find yourself on the loosing end of the stick.
Always the cool one, Gene had those Elvis Presley good looks. He had class, talent, determination and the best sponsors you could find. He was one of America’s greatest motorcycle racers. He changed the course of professional motorcycle racing when he brought non-motorcycle-oriented sponsors into the sport from outside the industry. When local sponsors like, Bill’s muffler shop or Joe’s Garage seemed to be the only available course, Gene pursued and landed national sponsors like Busch Beer, Ocean Pacific, Evel Knievel and factory Yamaha.
Romero honed his racing skills on dirt and scrambles tracks in the Central Valley of California. As an amateur, Romero used his scramble skills to become a top TT Steeplechase Rider. Not surprisingly Romero’s first pro finish came at the age of 19 at the Castle Rock TT in July 1966. He adopted the nickname “Burritto” with two Ts instead of the conventional spelling with one T. His first national win was two years later in Lincoln, Nebraska riding a Triumph.
Romero had won 12 AMA Nationals during his 16-year racing career and received AMA’s most popular “Racer Of The Year” Award.
His greatest moments may have come in 1970 when he became National Champion, of the AMA Grand National Championship Series and in 1975 when on a completely different style of motorcycle, he became the winner of American Road Racing’s most coveted prize, the king of them all, the Daytona 200. That would be the equivalent of winning the IndyCar Championship and the Indianapolis 500…. an analogy unintended as patronizing… in fact it is flattery. More than once you’d hear his Indy 500 racing car cronies say, “Gene, you motorcycle racers are crazy!”
Chris Agajanian recalls Gene always having a unique way of expressing himself and not soliciting sympathy from others, like when he had a six-month stint in a full body cast.
“He was a huge personality. An old school spirit and akin to his pal “The Intimidator”, the other #3. Don’t cross him or you’d wish you hadn’t. He did it his way ‘til the very end. He had those Elvis Presley good looks and some of the best witticisms around.
Lying there in a full body cast and asked how he was doing, he quipped, “It’s no problem, I’ve had worse things in my eye.”
Still, his best quote was memorialized in the greatest motorcycle movie of all time, the Academy Award nominated documentary “On Any Sunday”. At the time, Gene needed a third place or better finish at the Sacramento Mile in order to be crowned the 1970 AMA Grand National Champion. He remarked when interviewed; “I don’t want to hurt anybody – but I’ve got to get third no matter what… I’m going to get third or come see me in the hospital – I dig carnations.”
The Agajanian Family is shaken and saddened at the loss of our dear friend “Burritto”. You are forever in our hearts. Elvis has left the building and Gene has left the racetrack – with the checkered flag.…..Chris Agajanian
Just seven years after his amateur race at Ascot Park in Southern California he became the youngest AMA Grand National Championship titleholder in the sport’s history at age 22. Gene was so dominant that year that he sealed the championship by winning the Sacramento Mile with two races remaining on the schedule.
After 16 years of racing, Romero retired. Following his retirement, American Honda Motor Co decided to take on Harley Davidson at their own game. Harley had that scene pretty well sewed up with its aluminum XR-750, a bike that every year became more and more intimately adapted to dirt. Honda’s philosophy was; it takes people who understand racing, backed by R&D. For Honda, one such person was Gene Romero. He was hired to manage Honda’s dirt track program. From 1984 to 1987, Honda took home the No. 1 plate and became the series king, winning four championships in a row.
Gene raced cars briefly before becoming a promoter and creating the west coast flat track series, which over the years, has given novice and semi pro riders a place to race at more than 30 venues stretching from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest. He was inducted into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame and soon after, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. He died just 10 days short of his 72nd birthday and leaves behind his loving wife Cheri and 23-year-old son, Geno.
The family is besieged with prayers and good wishes. Cheri and Geno would like to thank you all for your wonderful thoughts and care. Please understand the sorrow and the despondency, a loss such as theirs, can have on all of the Romero Family. He was a real champion on and off the dirt. Please respect their privacy and peace.
In lieu of a memorial service, many racetracks across the nation will be having a “Moment of Silence” in our hero’s name. There will be a celebration of life TBA. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Gene’s Championship run, a special event is being planned for the 2020 Sacramento Mile. “The Gene Romero Memorial Sacramento Mile” will feature a limited edition T-Shirt complete with the ROMERO name on the back over his stylized number 3. Also planned will be an Inaugural “Gene Romero Vintage Motorcycle Show” featuring the industry’s finest racing bikes, an official commemorative, pictorial program containing all of the champions that raced in the 1970 Sacramento Mile, the race that was featured in the movie “On Any Sunday”, a display of Gene’s personal, race-worn leathers, helmet and his beautiful Triumph motorcycle, an electronic green-screen photo booth where you and your family can have a picture taken with “Burritto”, a commemorative VIP photo-ticket that will be sold in advance, an autograph signing session for past and present riders on hand, a discounted VIP travel package and much more. Please stay tuned for updates. Chris Agajanian has just accepted the honor as Grand Marshal for the 2020 Sacramento Mile and would love to see you all join us for the Gene Romero Classic Motorcycle Spectacular. R.I.P. Gene Romero #3 “Burritto”
Following the recent launch of its industry-shaking SR/F model, Zero Motorcycles today announced the close of a $25 million funding round, bringing the brand’s aggregate equity capital raised to over $250 million. With 13 years of experience developing the most power- and energy-dense EV technology in powersports, Zero leads the industry with a global supply chain and distribution network, and a broad portfolio of effortlessly powerful, safe and reliable electric mototcycles.
ZERO MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCES NEW FINANCING ROUND BRINGING AGGREGATE INVESTMENT TO OVER $250 MILLION
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (April 23, 2019) On the heels of the successful launch of its transformational SR/F model, Zero Motorcycles, the global electric motorcycle sales and innovation leader, announced today the close of a $25 million funding round, bringing its aggregate equity capital raised to over $250 million.
With 13 years of experience, Zero Motorcycles has developed the most power- and energy-dense EV technology in powersports and has built Zero into the leading brand with a global supply chain and distribution network, and a broad portfolio of products, which are effortlessly powerful, safe, reliable, and delight our riders every time they twist the throttle.
“At Zero Motorcycles, we’ve been defining the electric motorcycle category since our inception in 2006,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “To build a company like Zero is not easy. You need to build a leading EV technology business, an industrial business, and consumer-branded business all at once. In addition to break-through innovation and R&D investment, this takes time, hard work, and significant capital. Zero has been capital efficient over the years, and our committed and consistent backing has enabled us to fully fund our strategy and to succeed when others have failed. We sell more electric motorcycles annually than all of our competitors combined and with our strong capital base, know-how, brand, and team, we will continue to be the driving force behind two-wheeled and broader powersports electrification. We look forward to the next few years as both adoption and innovation continue to accelerate.”
For more information on Zero Motorcycles please visit www.zeromotorcycles.com.
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Designed and crafted by hand in California, Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley technology with traditional motorcycle soul to elevate the motorcycling experience for smart, innovative riders around the world.
Defending Champion Jared Mees Secures First Victory of the Season; Fellow Wrecking Crew Rider Briar Bauman & Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson Finish Second and Third at Texas Half-Mile
FORT WORTH, TX. (April 22, 2019) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, continued its torrid start to the season, as the FTR750 secured its second podium sweep of the season at the Texas Half-Mile. Back-to-back reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees collected his first win of the 2019 season, while Wrecking Crew teammate Briar Bauman finished second, and Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson (Kennedy Racing/Armbruster Racing Indian FTR750) rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.
Mees and Bauman separated themselves from the field almost immediately at the start of the race. The two teammates spent the majority of the race jockeying for position atop the leaderboard. After a series of lead changes throughout the early stages, Mees managed to create some separation from Bauman in lap 22 and did not relinquish his lead again. With his first victory of the season, Mees was able to move himself up to third on the championship leaderboard.
“We are thrilled to see Jared get his first win of the season and make up some ground to stay near the top of the leaderboard,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “If this race was any indication, this is going to be an exciting season to watch Jared and Briar push each other to new heights the rest of the year.”
Mees’ victory snaps a seven-race winless streak and moves him into second on the all-time win list for Half-Miles. For Bauman, the second-place finish continues a strong start to the season that has seen him reach the podium in all three races, including a victory at the Daytona TT. His impressive start has him atop the leaderboard with 62 points followed by Robinson and Mees with 53 and 47 points respectively. Fellow Wrecking Crew Rider Bronson Bauman currently finds himself in eleventh with 24 total points.
The season continues on April 27 with Arizona Super TT in Chandler, Arizona. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information Indian Motorcycle Racing’s sponsors, visit their websites: Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets and J&P Cycles.
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